TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Chronicles 2:18–55.
The persons mentioned in the former paragraph are most of them such as we read of, and most of them such as we read much of, in other scriptures; but very few of those to whom this paragraph relates are mentioned any where else. It should seem, the tribe of Judah were more full and exact in their genealogies than any other of the tribes, in which we must acknowledge a special providence, for the clearing of the genealogy of Christ. 1. Here we find Bezaleel, who was head-workman in building the tabernacle, Exo 31:2. 2. Hezron, who was the son of Pharez (Ch1 2:5), was the father of all this progeny, his sons, Caleb and Jerahmeel, being very fruitful, and he himself likewise, even in his old age, for he left his wife pregnant when he died, Ch1 2:24. This Hezron was one of the seventy that went down with Jacob into Egypt, Gen 46:12. There his family thus increased, as other oppressed families there did. We cannot but suppose that he died during the Israelites' bondage in Egypt; and yet it is here said he died in Caleb-Ephratah (that is, Bethlehem), in the land of Canaan, Ch1 2:24. Perhaps, though the body of the people continued in Egypt, yet some that were more active than the rest, at least before their bondage came to be extreme, visited Canaan sometimes and got footing there, though afterwards they lost it. The achievements of Jair, here mentioned (Ch1 2:22, Ch1 2:23), we had an account of in Num 32:41; and, it is supposed, they were long after the conquest of Canaan. The Jews say, Hezron married his third wife when he was sixty years old (Ch1 2:21), and another afterwards (Ch1 2:24), because he had a great desire of posterity in the family of Pharez, from whom the Messiah was to descend. 3. Here is mention of one that died without children (Ch1 2:30), and another (Ch1 2:32), and of one that had no sons, but daughters, Ch1 2:34. Let those that are in any of these ways afflicted not think their case new or singular. Providence orders these affairs of families by an incontestable sovereignty, as pleaseth him, giving children, or withholding them, or giving all of one sex. He is not bound to please us, but we are bound to acquiesce in his good pleasure. To those that love him he will himself be better than ten sons, and give them in his house a place and a name better than of sons and daughters. Let not those therefore that are written childless envy the families that are built up and replenished. Shall our eye be evil because God's is good? 4. Here is mention of one who had an only daughter, and married her to his servant an Egyptian, Ch1 2:34, Ch1 2:35. If it be mentioned to his praise, we must suppose that this Egyptian was proselyted to the Jewish religion and that he was very eminent for wisdom and virtue, otherwise it would not have become a true-born Israelite to match a daughter to him, especially an only daughter. If Egyptians become converts, and servants do worthily, neither their parentage nor their servitude should be a bar to their preferment. Such a one this Egyptian servant might be that she who married him might live as happily with him as if she had married one of the rulers of her tribe. 5. The pedigree of several of these terminates, not in a person, but in a place or country, as one is said to be the father of Kirjath-jearim (Ch1 2:50), another of Bethlehem (Ch1 2:51), which was afterwards David's city, because these places fell to their lot in the division of the land. 6. here are some that are said to be families of scribes (Ch1 2:55), such as kept up learning in their family, especially scripture-learning, and taught the people the good knowledge of God. Among all these great families we are glad to find some that were families of scribes. Would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets - all the families of Israel families of scribes, well instructed to the kingdom of heaven, and able to bring out of their treasury things new and old!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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Summary
1 Chronicles 2:20, a succinct yet profoundly significant entry within the expansive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, meticulously records the lineage connecting Hur, Uri, and most notably, Bezaleel. This seemingly brief statement serves as a vital historical and theological anchor for the post-exilic community, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving specific bloodlines and His divine pattern of equipping individuals with extraordinary gifts for the accomplishment of His sacred purposes, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan through generations, even in the most detailed and seemingly mundane records.
Context
Literary Context
The Book of 1 Chronicles commences with a sweeping genealogical account, spanning from Adam through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. This extensive record, far from being a mere enumeration, served a crucial theological and historical purpose for the post-exilic community, re-establishing their identity, validating tribal claims, and reconnecting them to God's covenant promises. Chapter 2 specifically delves into the descendants of Judah, the preeminent royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. Within this lengthy and detailed enumeration of Judah's progeny, 1 Chronicles 2:20 functions as a pivotal link. It connects the lineage of Hur, a significant figure associated with Moses and Aaron during the Exodus, directly to Bezaleel, the divinely gifted craftsman responsible for the Tabernacle's construction. This inclusion within a vast genealogical record underscores not just the preservation of a specific lineage but also divine appointment and the profound continuity of God's work across generations, emphasizing that God's detailed oversight extends to every individual within His sovereign plan.
Historical & Cultural Context
Genealogies held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as indispensable legal and historical documents. They were fundamental for establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land inheritance (as meticulously detailed in Numbers 26), confirming eligibility for priestly service (as seen in Ezra 2:62), and tracing the royal line leading to the promised Messiah. For the post-exilic community, to whom 1 Chronicles was primarily addressed, these records were absolutely essential for rebuilding their national and religious identity after the devastating Babylonian exile. They provided a tangible, irrefutable link to their past, assuring them of God's faithfulness despite their displacement and reaffirming their place in God's enduring covenant plan. The specific mention of Bezaleel, a figure from the foundational Exodus narrative, would have resonated deeply, connecting their present circumstances to the miraculous beginnings of their nation and the establishment of God's dwelling among them.
Key Themes
This concise verse, despite its brevity, contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the Divine Preservation of Lineage, illustrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign plan in maintaining specific bloodlines. Even seemingly minor entries in these genealogies confirm the continuity of God's people and the steadfastness of His promises through generations, particularly the Davidic covenant which culminates in the Messiah. Secondly, the prominent mention of Bezaleel highlights the profound theme of God's Gifting for Service. Bezaleel is not merely another name in a list but a divinely appointed and uniquely gifted craftsman, specifically "filled with the Spirit of God" for the sacred task of building the Tabernacle, as explicitly detailed in Exodus 31:3-5. His inclusion here emphasizes God's consistent pattern of raising up and equipping individuals with specific talents and abilities for particular tasks within His grand redemptive design, demonstrating unequivocally that all true skill for God's work originates from Him and is empowered by His Spirit.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
While the verse only states he "begat Uri," Hur himself is a notable figure in the Exodus narrative. He is mentioned alongside Aaron as supporting Moses' hands during the pivotal battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:10-12), and was entrusted with authority alongside Aaron in Moses' absence (Exodus 24:14). His inclusion here connects Bezaleel's lineage to a respected and prominent figure directly involved in the foundational events of Israel's history, adding significant weight and historical depth to Bezaleel's ancestral line within the tribe of Judah.
This primitive root verb means "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." In the context of genealogies, it signifies the act of fathering a child, thereby establishing a direct line of descent. Its repeated use throughout these chapters emphasizes the continuity of generations and the meticulous recording of lineage, which was crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the preservation of the covenant line. The very act of "begetting" underscores God's providential hand in perpetuating families and ensuring the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific individuals across time.
This name is profoundly significant, meaning "in the shadow of God" or "in the protection of God." This etymology perfectly encapsulates his divine appointment and the extraordinary skill he possessed. It signifies that his abilities were not merely human talent but a direct, supernatural endowment from God for the sacred work of the Tabernacle. The name itself points to the divine source and protection under which he operated, emphasizing his unique empowerment by the Holy Spirit for the intricate work of sacred craftsmanship, as described in Exodus 31:3.
Verse Breakdown
"And Hur begat Uri"
This initial clause establishes the immediate paternal link, tracing the lineage from Hur to his son, Uri. Hur, as highlighted in the Key Word Analysis, was a significant figure in the Exodus generation, part of the tribe of Judah. His presence in this genealogy underscores the importance of the Judahite line from its earliest stages in Israel's national life, connecting the foundational events of the Exodus to the ongoing history of God's people. The Chronicler's inclusion of such specific details within the genealogies highlights the meticulous nature of God's providential care over the generations and the preservation of key families within His covenant plan.
"and Uri begat Bezaleel"
This second clause is the climax of the verse, introducing Bezaleel, a figure of immense importance from the wilderness generation. Uri, whose name means "my light" or "fiery," serves as the direct link to this divinely gifted individual. The emphasis shifts from the general lineage to the specific individual whose life and work had profound implications for Israel's worship and the manifestation of God's presence among His people. The brevity of the statement belies the magnitude of Bezaleel's role, inviting the reader to recall his detailed commission and Spirit-filled craftsmanship as recorded in the book of Exodus, underscoring God's intentional raising up of gifted individuals for His sacred purposes.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:20, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is Genealogy. This is not merely a dry list of names but a highly structured and purposeful literary form. It serves multiple functions: to establish Legitimacy (of tribal claims, leadership, and the Davidic monarchy), to demonstrate Divine Faithfulness (God's preservation of His covenant people through generations despite their failures), and to meticulously trace the Messianic Line (pointing ultimately to the promised Christ). The Chronicler employs Compression and Conciseness, packing vast historical, social, and theological significance into a few names. While the verse itself is brief, it acts as a Focal Point within the broader genealogical flow, drawing particular attention to Bezaleel, a figure whose unique divine empowerment for sacred service stands out. This subtle highlighting of Bezaleel within the lineage of Judah also functions as a form of Typology, subtly foreshadowing the ultimate Builder of God's dwelling, Christ, and the spiritual temple of the Church. The structure itself communicates God's orderly and purposeful work through history.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Chronicles 2:20, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign involvement in human history. It underscores His faithfulness in preserving specific lineages, not for their own sake, but for the unfolding of His grand redemptive plan. The inclusion of Bezaleel highlights that God's purposes are accomplished not only through kings and priests but also through those gifted for practical service, demonstrating that all gifts, when consecrated to God and empowered by His Spirit, contribute to His kingdom. This verse reminds us that God's work spans generations, and even seemingly ordinary individuals within a lineage play a vital part in His extraordinary design, reflecting His enduring commitment to His covenant promises and His detailed care for His people.
Reflection and Application
Even the most concise entries in biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:20, hold profound spiritual truths for contemporary believers. This verse invites us to consider God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating history, not just for nations and leaders, but for every individual within His grand narrative. It reminds us that our lives, our heritage, and our unique gifts are not accidental but are purposefully woven into God's divine design. Just as Bezaleel was divinely equipped for a specific, sacred task—the building of God's dwelling—so too are believers today empowered by the Holy Spirit with diverse talents and spiritual gifts for the building up of God's kingdom and the advancement of His purposes in the world. This verse calls us to recognize, cultivate, and faithfully steward these God-given abilities, understanding that our contributions, no matter how seemingly small or "ordinary," are vital to God's ongoing work. It encourages us to trust in God's enduring faithfulness, knowing that He meticulously preserves His people and fulfills His word across countless generations, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan and the ultimate triumph of His Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?
Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple critical purposes beyond simply listing names. In ancient Israel, they were vital legal and historical documents that established tribal identity, validated claims to land inheritance, confirmed eligibility for priestly service, and traced the royal line. For the post-exilic community, for whom 1 Chronicles was written, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing their national and religious identity after the Babylonian exile. They provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them of God's faithfulness despite their displacement and reaffirming their place in God's covenant plan, particularly highlighting the lineage of Judah from which the Davidic kings and ultimately the Messiah would come. They demonstrate God's meticulous care in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through generations, as seen in the detailed records of 1 Chronicles 1-9.
What was Bezaleel's specific role, and why is he highlighted in this genealogy?
Bezaleel's specific role was monumental: he was the chief craftsman divinely appointed and empowered by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and all its intricate furnishings during the Exodus. Exodus 31:1-5 states that the Lord "filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." He was responsible for the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the anointing oil, and the priestly garments, among other sacred items. He is highlighted in this genealogy not merely as another name but as a testament to God's pattern of raising up and equipping individuals with extraordinary, Spirit-given talents for specific, sacred tasks. His inclusion in the Judahite lineage emphasizes that even those gifted for practical, artistic service are integral to God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His presence among His people, demonstrating that all gifts ultimately serve God's greater purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The seemingly simple genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:20 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, the meticulous preservation of the Judahite lineage, culminating in Bezaleel, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Jesus Christ is the ultimate descendant of Judah, the King who fulfills the Davidic covenant and establishes an eternal kingdom (Matthew 1:1-17). Secondly, Bezaleel, filled with the Spirit of God to build a physical dwelling for God's presence, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Jesus is the true Builder of God's spiritual temple, the Church (Hebrews 3:3-6), the one in whom God's full presence dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9). The Spirit that empowered Bezaleel for sacred craftsmanship is the same Holy Spirit poured out on believers through Christ, empowering them to be living stones in God's spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) and to build up the body of Christ with their diverse gifts (Ephesians 4:11-16). Thus, this verse, by highlighting a divinely gifted builder in ancient Israel, ultimately directs our gaze to the divine Architect and Builder of our salvation, Jesus Christ, and the spiritual dwelling He establishes through His Spirit, a dwelling in which all believers are called to participate.